EDITOR’S NOTE
Time to celebrate
We have waited in excited anticipation for this momentous year to arrive, and finally it’s here, our centenary!
B
eing so familiar with the Wits of today, it’s difficult to imagine the Wits that opened its doors to students for the first time 100 years ago; before television, computers, the internet, the atom bomb and social media. A time when the average life span in America was about 54 years and South Africa 34. The world and Wits have seen many changes and been through many challenges since then. But mostly it’s been a trajectory of progress as each generation builds on accumulated experience and knowledge to contribute to the betterment of the following one. Researching the year 1922, I noticed this was the Year of the Dog in the Chinese zodiac that would assign the University the attributes of loyalty, truthfulness, and an uncompromising code of ethics as well as an inclination to fight injustice and side with the underdog. While not scientific, these characteristics certainly resonated with the Wits I know and love. The mission, values and principles of the University’s founders continue to guide the institution to this day, being an open and autonomous university with a policy of non-discrimination, making no distinction of class, wealth, race or creed and committed to providing a quality education that prepares students to be independent thinkers and productive citizens. Celebrating a centenary presents several opportunities for Wits. One is to look back and reflect; have we stayed true to our values, principles and standards, have we grown and flourished? I think most would agree the University has strengthened the foundation it was built on and without question has cemented its reputation as a leading University on the African continent, ranked among the top 1% of universities in the world. Regardless of challenging environments, Wits has always remained resilient and managed to excel and grow through the
talent and commitment of its people. Which brings us to the second opportunity of a centenary; to honour and acknowledge the shoulders we stand on, the contributions of eminent academics and courageous leaders and of everyday staff who have ensured the success of the University. A third opportunity is to unite and commemorate the success and achievements of Wits alumni. There is an exciting line-up of events to celebrate Wits and Witsies, including alumni reunions around the world and, for the first time, an alumni homecoming weekend from 2 – 4 September (see page 89 or www.wits.ac.za/centenary-events for more information). A fourth opportunity is the chance to look to the future, to set new goals and ambitions that will ensure a bright future and even greater celebrations at the University’s bicentennial! Lastly, a centenary is an opportunity to inspire philanthropy towards the University. All the world’s great universities rely on the generosity of benefactors, most often alumni, to give them the edge. Wits set itself a target to raise R3 billion for its centenary fund and remains on track to achieve this ambitious target. As we celebrate this year, we can look back with genuine pride at our University’s achievements since it first opened its doors to students in 1922. It takes 100 years for a bottle of Louis XIII Cognac to be properly aged. Wits too has matured into a University with stature and gravitas and having stood the test of time, we can drink a toast to its success and rest assured that the best is still to come.
Peter Maher, Director, Alumni Relations
Apr il 2022 7
